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Monday, March 6, 2017

March Blizzard

While it's almost spring in most of your regions (except for Sue's as well, I imagine), I'm looking at the window at the beginning of a blizzard in March. Yesterday was spring-like. We had melting temperatures, and we went to the playground, and it was glorious. But not today: E and I walked to preschool just as the storm was starting to hit, and it was so ridiculous that I had another preschool parent drive me home, so that I didn't have to walk home straight into the driving wind. (And I'll drive to pick up E after school, as well.)

This morning, during this wee moment of peace, I'm drinking tea and watching British TV shows, and making myself as cozy as possible. But I think that, this afternoon, I'll have E help me start our tomato and cucumber bedding plants, and plan our vegetable garden. Even with this late blizzard, spring is still coming.

82 comments:

Our garage door froze shut, and E and I had to walk home in the middle of a blizzard! She made me carry her 3/4 of the way home, because (even with the hat, the scarf, and the big sunglasses) the driving snow and wind were too much for her little face.

I have severely lowered my expectations about what else we're doing today, now. Fixing the garage door (Mr. Q has an important night class tonight, and will need the car) and staying warm are my only priorities today.

Ice melt (road salt) didn't work, and so the next step is to run a space heater inside the garage, right by the frozen part of the door, while someone chips at the ice from the outside. Mr. Q has already said that he'll take the bus to the university, if we can't get the door unstuck in time.

We're also going to have to figure out what to do about the slightly low spot in the driveway, where the puddle accumulated. I'm so done with this winter.

You know the microsft scam, where people call and say there is a problem with your computer? It went to a new level on my laptop today, with a message saying the computer was compromised and would be shut down if I did anything but call this toll-free number. Which, I found later by searching on my other computer IS A SCAM. Having Mr. Computer Genius make sure any baddies get off my hard drive. UGH.

My beloved fixed the garage door! Twenty minutes total: thirty seconds to get the door out of the ice (I'm going to pretend that my efforts loosened it), and nineteen minutes and thirty seconds to re-adjust the settings on our ancient and cantankerous garage door opener.

I'm sorry that you've been dealing with scammers, kathy! Was it some kind of virus this time?

Yay about the pleasant chunky meeting, Esperanza! And thrifty shopping!

QWP, you probably did make inroads on the ice. (Water expands when freezing, right? Making a mountain out of a puddle?) But the balky and ancient garage door? Just crossing my fingers on that one.

You know how you're like the 4th person in line, standing to the side so the long line doesn't cut off traffic, and then someone else walks up and stands in the traffic, glaring at you like you are totally not in line -- and then they open a new check line so the 2d person moves over -- and then somebody just walks up and says "hey, no line" and tries to butt right in to the new line? Grr.

The March blizzard continues, with such incredible winds through the night! I'm so glad that we have nowhere to go today, and can stay in our jammies as the storm rages outside.

W: we're also tired because we had a terrible night. E woke up three times, and Mr. Q's phone did two different notification beeps (he thought he turned on "Do Not Disturb," but it clearly didn't happen). I didn't sleep between the second notification beep and the second two of E's wake-ups. At least she slept between 5 and 8.

Rant of the day: what the fireplace with this new health care thing? And why was it only just released, but hearings start tomorrow? And why do they hate on people who aren't rich for life, young, and healthy? This is ticking my buttons. PLUS, the congressional budget office hasn't had any time at all to do an analysis of -- you'd think these were important items -- things like how many will lose insurance; how much more will this end up costing consumers; what are the long term consequences for like everybody? I mean, wouldn't that stuff be important to consider?

I know that I don't live in your country, and so I can only be angry on your behalf, but this new health care thing is terrible and makes me so angry. And those who keep trying to explain it keep making me angry. (Aaaach those who keep talking like people are just wasting money on other things when they could be paying for their own healthcare. Who the fireplace has tens of thousands kicking around to spend on their own care? Do you know what? Because my tax dollars help to pay for my healthcare -- and because the government forces costs to stay low in a way that doesn't happen with private insurers -- we're able to live comfortably on one teacher's income, and be productive participants in our local economy. And, because we can afford preventative healthcare, we cost the system far less money than if we had to wait until something was urgent or an emergency! THIS IS BASIC ECONOMICS HERE.) This no-good, terrible insurance plan is going to cost so many lives, and it's also going to cost so much money. All so that fireplacing rich people can save a few thousand fireplacing dollars a year.

This rant was brought to you by my terrible sleep last night, and by the knowledge that (pre-ACA), two of my dad's American cousins died bankrupt, having had to stop cancer treatments because they lost their insurance. And my aunt and uncle had to sell their home and borrow money from my grandparents for live-saving surgery, because the surgeon that was in their network had never performed the surgery before, and the one that was guaranteed to not botch the tricky procedure wasn't covered by their insurance. (Yes, I know that the ACA didn't solve the whole network coverage issue. But it was a start in the right direction.)

I hope the storm has passed now, QWP. It was pouring rain when I left the Big City this morning, and bitterly cold when I arrived home. Proof once again that this is Big Province!

US friends...I'm just gutted about this health care thing. Really, I can't quite fathom why these rich white guys can be so hateful (yes, there are rich hateful women in there, but they are a minority). I've been asking myself that question since the inauguration - Why do they hate everyone? And they truly do hate anyone who differs from themselves. I can't pretend it's anything else but sheer hatred. Who would separate a refugee child from a parent? Who would deny health care to sick children and the elderly (or ANYONE, for that matter)? It's so utterly disgusting, I can hardly process it.

Step #1 - from now on, folks have to stop calling it O-care. It stopped being that yesterday. From now on, it's T-care and all those good ole boys can wear it for the rest of their (hopefully short) political careers.

OK, end of Northern rant.

AW: Great appointment with pain doc, visit with a friend, and dinner with son and partner.

W: I'm beyond exhausted and still feel like I've been kicked in the head. The leftover injection pain will pass by Thursday.

I think there is significant dissent, and have heard the same thing about senators actually caring more about their constituents than about paddling the party boat on this issue, Esperanza.

BUT -- we need this to not happen, and a place to start is by flooding your Senators and Reps with your views. One specific thing to mention is that the CBO has not had time to do an analysis, and that has to happen. The values of health care coverage and protections of the ACA are also good points.

If you cannot reach your critters by phone, I'm told that at least in my state, they pay as much attention to the email forms from constituents. YMMV. With consideration starting TOMORROW, even though this thing was under key until YESTERDAY, the postcard option is not viable.

On the plus-side, it looks like the Unaffordable Health Care Act is dead in the water. The conservatives hate it for existing, everyone not a conservative hates it for being pricier and less effective than ACA, and the fact that the CBO is not being given time to weigh in will give cover to everyone.

On the minus-side, the plus-side calls for optimism, and I ain't got any.

I really hope the Senate kills this bill. You know, that's how Canada ended up basically without ab0rt1on restrictions: after the Supreme Court struck down the severe law/ban we had, the cons tried to pass a new, middle of the road law, which the right hated because they only wanted a ban, not moderate restrictions, and the left hated because of the restrictions. In the end, that bill was dead in the water, and the lack of a ban remained.

PRO-TIP. When sending email, use the form provided on Congress.Gov. Search for your member, go to their website, and use the contact us form. That way, it gets tracked by both the congress critter's staff, and by general congressional staff.

At least they're all available in one place. Here is the contact information for all the Canadian Senators and <a href="http://www.parl.gc.ca/Default.aspx?Language=E>here is the search page for your member of parliment</a> (I'm guessing you know this already) Hey! Looks like your MPs are getting a new website soon!

((( Sue ))) Glad you are back, and you got good visits, and it went well -- and sending love and kittehs for the recovery.

Yes, I always use the email contact forms on my critters' various websites. Since I've had to much to complain about, and the bad is coming in so fast, I usually address my concerns to all three, then copy and paste (and save a copy for myself). It is close to impossible to get through to my senators, such is the volume; but I'm assured somebody reads and tallies it all.

Liz: I should have clarified! I meant "while we have a central place with all their contact information, it's just all email addresses and phone numbers, and not a fillable form that gets tracked anywhere central". (But I've never contacted a senator before! They're not really our local representatives, if that makes sense? It's more like the British House of Lords, in that they're not elected and are semi-useless. Member of Parliament contact only, because they're the ones that do the real governing.)

Esperanza: NICE. I love it.

AW: I just had a lovely dinner with my sister and two cousins, one of whom is an organizer and the other of whom is a speaker at a rally at our provincial legislative building tomorrow, speaking out against upcoming or possible cuts/privatization. Fingers crossed that people turn out in spite of the weather! At least the blizzard is supposed to end this evening. (They directed me to a place where I can print my own sign and post a selfie in solidarity, because there's no way I can get there tomorrow.)

Yay to all commemorating International Women's Day! And may the handwarmers and heavy layers be with Sue!

QWP -- The Canadian system baffles me, but if these senators are voting on behalf of the people, can't you complain to them, also, as a citizen? I mean, what's the down side?

(I have found it difficult to contact senators from other states sometimes, and more difficult to contact congressional representatives other than my own -- even though those people may hold high positions, and are duty bound to represent all of us. Looking at you, Paul Ryan.)

I had to verify that I lived in the rep's district in order to fill in the form today. I suppose I could have lied about my address, but I try to tell the truth, unlike some people I could mention, in positions of power. Ahem.

Oddities about Canada time! The purpose of our Senate is "sober second thought," and plays a similar role to our unelected judiciary, if that makes any sense. They do a lot of committees and reviews, and aren't really answerable to the general public. (Their official site actually compares them to judges. So, writing to them about general political concerns would sort of like writing to a judge about a potential court case.) With the exception of Quebec, their affiliation with a specific province is only voluntary and ceremonial.

It's super strange, from an American point of view! Here, it really only makes sense to contact one's member of parliament, and the relevant cabinet minister.

W: Little buddy Waylon is not doing well. Multiple body systems don't seem to be functioning properly. All his dad said is "It's not good." Send prayers or good thoughts or light to Waylon and his family today.

Black mold doesn't look that terrible to clean, assuming it is just on surfaces. http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Black-Mold But you shouldn't be the one doing the cleaning; and you'll need ventilation, so the weather might be a factor.

Pixies, we have a rehearsal dinner picnic spot!! It is not the one my husband loves -- that one, and the next one, and some others are already taken. I know!! But we scored the one I love love love, and I got everybody to sign off, and I've signed the contract and written the check. Yay!

Also, good news on my neighbor -- earlier, I ran into him, his wife, his daughter and grandson, and his son (who came back from overseas) -- and he is out of rehab, walking again, staying at his daughter's, getting lots of PT and OT and whatever. It was lovely to see them, great to see him doing so much better! His wife just called because she was worried she forgot to close the garage door, and also about the automatic light, and all is well. :)

Had yummy roasted carrots for dinner last night (with curry powder!). Yum.W: But, carrot peels clogged the garbage disposal and now we can't use our sink and probably need a plumber. Not a good trade off.

And more snow for you too? This has been a wild March. It's COLD here today.

AW: I was starting to fret, because as of yesterday, it had been ten days since we'd filed our taxes online, and my account on the government's tax site still said they hadn't received our return. I was just waiting on the help hotline, listening to the recording with all the things you should check first, when I thought to check our bank account, and found that our refund was already there! Apparently, they're processing things so quickly right now that they're getting out refunds before it registers on the site.

Q: is it tacky to offer nametags at a rehearsal dinner that will be the meet-the-family thing before the wedding? And will be an informal picnic? Nametags are a saving grace at class reunions, professional conferences, etc. It seems like too much to expect everybody to remember everybody, especially at an event that looks to be a good bit bigger than a dinner table. I've met like 2 of the bride's extended family, and she has a lot! And I don't think the almost-in-laws (except the bride) have met any of my extended (smaller) family.

My dears, I just had the most fun with an auto-dialer call from my beloved's alma mater! I picked up, and the person was so busy telling someone else "He couldn't stop. Seriously, he couldn't." with a lot of chatter in the background. So I just responded, "OMG, he couldn't stop!!! I can't believe it!!!" And she hung up on me. Way to fund-raise!

Shoot, it's probably better if I print those tags ahead, right? But I was totally thinking that everybody should identify themselves in relation to the happy couple.

You know how people complain about cats getting birds? My cats are indoor, so that doesn't happen -- but our elderly dog, who is half blind and deaf and has tumors, still can find the odd small bird who drops from the next, or dies of other causes, and bring it back to her next in the garage as a gift.

Yes, for name tags. And, maybe you could just put a placard at the table with the name tags and pens, suggesting that people put their name and their relation to the bride/groom. So, no printing ahead, but still get info for context?--Neighbor Lady

The Man, The Dog, and our daughter went for a hike, and everybody got muddy, and the dog swam in the lake. They all came home happy, and daughter was getting the mud off her feet when -- quel surprise -- the still-wet and still-muddy dog discovered that daughter's door wasn't totally shut and went to cuddle on her bed. Yes, there is laundering happening right now (not by me). It is all about the excitement over here!

But, had a good chat with my aunt, and also scoped some evites for the Picnic. I seem to be pretty invested in this wedding planning thing. Which makes me much happier than getting muddy at the lake, or doing laundry. :)

W: Second rainy Saturday in a row here. Too much screen time. I don't like days like this, with no plans and aimless grumping about the house. Further W: everyone else in the house claims to like days like this.

W: Mini no longer wants to go to a birthday party at Chuck3Cheese, because the birthday girl was mean to her at recess. I was already not very comfortable with birthday girl and her family, so I'm amenable to staying away.

AW: Mini no longer wants to go to a birthday party at Chuck3Cheese, so I don't have to accompany her.

W: Mini was in tears the other day because her classmate had told her, "everything about your sister is weird." Not altogether untrue, but definitely unkind. Mini didn't know how to handle it, but she knew that she would protect her sister from hearing it. She didn't tell Sweet but told me. Then we cried together.

AW: the occasion of unkind comment was when Sweet went forward to receive an award at the quarterly awards assembly. She was SOOOO proud of herself, and her friends were reportedly cheering wildly.

Oh, so many hugs all around. Mean kids' comments are just so hard to handle. (But I'm cheering for Sweet, winning an award and having cheering, supportive friends!) I still remember kids taunting my brother and me about my dad's very visible disability, and not knowing how to deal with it. Hugs.

AW: we had a really cheerful day today. I was fretting about how expensive warm kid parkas are (and we need a WARM one, because we walk to school), when I discovered that a sporting goods store that tends to have reasonable clearance sales also takes our bank's reward points. Mr. Q has a massive hoard of those points, because they used to only be good for free movies, and it's rare that we get an evening out lately. I was extra-strategic and got a coupon for the store (by signing up for a mailing list), and by combining all the different discounts, we spent $6.69 on a coat that was originally $100! And then we made a fun afternoon of it by bringing along gift cards and getting free treats at the grocery store and St@rbux.

Re: mean comment...I guess I naively thought they were too young for such things; a question would have been easier to handle (ie, why does your sister walk funny?); and when our Baboos have asked questions or made comments about people with visible disabilities, I've handled it very matter-of-factly. Just the other night at a restaurant, there was someone walking with crutches. They asked about it, I said, "he needs extra help walking, so he uses crutches." End of discussion. One of their teachers in preschool walked with a very noticeable limp. We talked about how one of her legs was shorter than the other, and so it made it hard for her to walk. I guess I thought (again, naively) that other parents would treat disabilities the same way. So, hard lesson for Mini and for her mama.

Oh and yes, QWP, I was super proud of her, and so pleased (a) at her friends' reaction; (b) that she has friends; and (c) that she shared it all with me. I think she has actually made better friendships this year than Mini has, which is not what I would have expected at the beginning of the year.

Also, this is ridiculous, but it keeps coming to mind: when I was in elementary school, I had really good years in the even-numbered grades, and years ranging from mediocre to horrible in the odd-numbered grades. The pattern seems to be holding for both Baboos. Weird.

I don't think the odd-even thing is really a thing -- even though I was in the hospital in first, and my family had a lot of problems in 3d (when my sister was born prematurely, and dad lost his job for a while). Bad things happened other years, and so did good things. I mean, the time in elementary school when my teacher wouldn't let me go to the restroom and I wet my pants? That was bad. And in an even year. I won an essay on fire safety in 5th, and became a junior firefighter, even though girls weren't even allowed in the profession at the time. xoxo

Happy (ha) time change day, everyone. We don't change our clocks here, but our new phones decided that we need to experience some solidarity, and changed for us, and so my alarm went off an hour early today. Hugs and caffeinated beverages all around.

I found out something whine-worthy but unbloggable on Friday (not family related), and have been feeling really bummed ever since. But my husband pointed out a bright spark of positivity in the whole situation, and so I'm feeling somewhat better.

It would be more bearable though, if I had been able to snuggle up on the bed in my room and read Georgette Heyer all day. But my room is off limits until the mold gets removed, so everything is terrible.

Well, I have to go to jury duty tomorrow. Which is a long way off, and I hate freeways so it will be at least an hour on the road, and also parking is extremely limited. So, tomorrow might not be the most cheerful day.

Thinking of you at Jury Duty, Kathy! I haven't had to actually attend Jury Duty since my days in NYC. Here in Loudoun, they send you a card with a phone number to call the night before the first day to see if they need you. I've been sent the card three times and they've never needed me.

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